Very windy with showers of
rain but with sunshine later in the day. Warm for November.

Comments:

The object of this walk was to leave the
car at home and let the train take the strain. Also a linear walk
along part of the Cumbria Coastal Way could be achieved this way.
Unfortunately, because not all trains stop at Cark, it was necessary
to leave ones bed before the crack of a November dawn – but it was
worth the effort.
Arriving at Cark Station at before ten the Rail Carders walked to
the centre of the village (where there are toilets) to follow the
River Eea to Sand Gate Marsh and the sea. The next part of the walk
was along a sea shore track which left the group exposed to a very
strong wind straight from the Irish Sea together with rain that
appeared to be horizontal. Fortunately, in order to short circuit
the Cumbria Coastal Way (CCW), the route took them inland on to
quiet and sheltered country lanes to rejoin the CCW at near to
Ravenstown. On the way the Rail Carders passed the Cartmel Sticky
Toffee Pudding Company bakery and shop. Unfortunately they did not
get the chance to sample any of the products. From the bakery the
CCW heads east along quiet country lanes. Along the lanes could be
seen remnants of World War Two air field buildings and an air raid
shelter near to Cark Airfield. Rather than go around Humphrey Head
the CCW takes a short ascent and descent to the east sea shore from
where Arnside and Silverdale can be seen. The path then follows the
shore line to pass Wyke Farm. At this point the path is treacherous
because of unstable wet ground where one can go knee deep or more in
to the smelly mud. The Rail Carders found that the best way to
continue was to stoop under tree branches next to a wall where the
ground was reasonably firm. From Wyke Farm the Rail Carders then
followed the CCW under a railway and across a half dozen or so
waterlogged fields to ascend towards Allithwaite before turning
right along a lane and then following the road down to Kents Bank
Station. Kents Bank Station has a fine sheltered waiting room and
this provided shelter for lunch. From Kents Bank the CCW virtually
follows the railway track towards Grange–over-Sands passing Guides
Farm on the way (Home of the Queens Guide for crossing Morecambe
Bay). Unfortunately part of the CCW was flooded on the outskirts of
Grange and because no one was wearing chest high waders a short
deviation had to be made. Arriving at Grange-over-Sands in the
afternoon sunshine the Rail Carders found time to partake of tea and
cakes at a café before catching a train home.
Travelling time from Preston to Cark: 54 mins; cost: £7.65 return
with Senior Rail Card

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Rain threatens at Cark

Three bedraggled ponies - plus one shy one

Alas - no free samples of pudding at Flookburgh

A view of Robin Haw from the Cumbria Coastal Way

A tower above Kirkhead near Kents Bank

The same tower bathed in sunshine

One of the C.C.W. signs seen on route

A wet climb over the back of Humphrey Head

A view of Arnside Knott from the Cumbria Coastal Way at Wyke Farm, Humphrey Head

Pam survived the treacherous boggy ground near Wyke Farm

A flooded gateway on route

Mother hen and brood

The River Kent estuary

A submerged section of the Cumbria Coastal Way

Four young ladies approaching Grange on the Cumbria Coastal Way

The Cumbria Coastal Way at Grange-over-Sands - but where are the sands?